Charles Tillman Will Not Be Reunited With Lovie Smith

2 years ago

Charles "Peanut" Tillman spent nine of his 12 years under the tutelage of Lovie Smith in Chicago. After the Bears failed to extend the contract of the 2014 NFL Man of the Year before free agency began, Tillman met with his former coach in Tampa Bay on an official visit.

Tillman left One Buc without a contract Wednesday and opted instead to return for a 13th season in the Windy City, signing a one-year deal with Chicago Friday afternoon.

The #Bears have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Charles Tillman.

A cornerstone of Smith's cover-2 defensive scheme with the Bears, Tillman was high on the list of rumored players to suit up in pewter and red next year, but the front office at Halas Hall had a renewed faith they could get a new deal in place for the two-time Pro Bowler when he left Tampa empty handed.

On Wednesday, the Bucs signed former Titans CB Alterraun Verner to a four-year deal to replace Darrelle Revis, who was cut from the team Wednesday.

With most of the premier defensive backs off the free agent market, the Bucs may be staying the course with second-year corner Johnthan Banks on the right side.